Tips on Ticks

6th April 2014

April is Lyme Disease Prevention Month and
tick-transmitted diseases can wreak havoc on both pets and humans. According to
PetMd,
Lyme disease “is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria
Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in several varieties of ticks, but is
mostly associated with the common deer tick.”Lyme disease commonly occurs in three regions: the
northeast and mid-Atlantic states (from Maine to Virginia), the midwest
(Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan), and on the west coast (in northern
California).

The
Symptoms of Lyme DiseaseLyme disease is
often misdiagnosed in older dogs, because it can mimic the symptoms of
arthritis. Symptoms may include:

Limping (in either leg)

Lymph node swelling

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Sensitive to touch

Difficulty breathing

If your dog
contracts Lyme disease, it is important to have him treated or it can cause
permanent joint damage and ultimately kidney failure.

Lyme Disease DiagnosisIt is important if your dog becomes ill, that you
give your veterinarian every clue on where you have been and what you have done
that could affect your dog. Chances are your vet will conduct a complete blood
profile, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a
urinalysis to check for any parasites, bacteria or fungi in his bloodstream.

Lyme disease is usually
treated with antibiotics.

Preventing
Lyme DiseaseThere
are ways to prevent your dog from getting Lyme Disease – some which may be
realistic based on your lifestyle and some which may not.

Avoid areas that may be
tick-infested, particularly heavily wooded areas where deer live.

Spray your immediate
home/lawn area with an appropriate insecticide. If you decide to use an
anti-tick spray, make sure it’s safe for dogs.

Vaccinate your dog.
If you live in a high-risk region, ask your vet about the latest generation of
Lyme Disease vaccinations.

If you see a tick on
your dog, remove it by following the directions below.

Removing a tick from your dog:

Check your pet daily for ticks
by thoroughly feeling for any lumps under the hair. Pay close attention to
ears, around the face, eyes, legs, and belly.

When is tick is found embedded
in the skin, use a fine pointed tweezers or tick remover tool at the point of attachment, and grasp the
tick head firmly and as close to the skin as possible. Remember to wear latex
gloves when doing this.

Using slow, steady, and firm
traction, pull the tick straight out from the skin. Some tools, such as the Tick Twister, recommend a circular twist
motion while pulling.

It is critical to NOT squeeze
the tick body at any time -- this can inject more potential pathogens into you
or your pet while the tick is embedded.

Cleanse the skin with mild soap
and water.

If a small part of the tick
breaks off, you can try to remove it as you would a splinter, but it is
probably best to leave it alone. The body will 'eject' it in time.

Place the tick in a jar of alcohol, noting the date, in case of future illness.
Tick identification and location of tick infestation will be important for your
veterinarian.